A number of sources, including Nikkan Sports, Sanspo, and Sponichi, are reporting that D.J. Houlton will become a free agent. The Softbank Hawks will continue to negotiate with Houlton but there is also a good chance that he will be approached by other teams.

As for the other foreign players: Alex Cabrera and Brian Falkenborg will remain with the team while Jose Ortiz and Yhency Brazoban move on.